FreeCAD / FreeCAD/IDF

Cannot place parts with IDFv3 specification reference

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Dominant language
Python
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Description

the IDFv3 specification include a reference file with a simple PCB and some parts.
IDF plugin render the PCB, but cannot place parts.
I'm using FreeCAD weekly 2026-06-24 with IDF plugin 1.0

I made some tests, and it depend on two syntax differences:
1) FreeCAD require footprints (1st field) with quotes, in both .PLACEMENT section of .emn board file and .ELECTRICAL sections of .emp library file, when the reference does not have quotes
2) FreeCAD stop placing parts if found some Properties like PROP CAPACITANCE or PROP TOLERANCE in .ELECTRICAL section of .emp library file

Here the original IDFv3 reference and modified files to let FreeCAD import and place the parts:
[IDFv3example.zip](https://github.com/user-attachments/files/29388795/IDFv3example.zip)

Contributor guide

Open the contributing guide

Research direction

Start by reproducing the import with the attached IDFv3example.zip, focusing on the .emn board file's .PLACEMENT section and the .emp library file's .ELECTRICAL section. Trace the IDF plugin importer for quoted footprints and PROP CAPACITANCE or PROP TOLERANCE entries. Done means the reference files import the PCB and place all parts without stopping.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
python
Domain
desktop
Issue type
Bug
Difficulty
3/5
Estimated time
1-2 days
Activity status
Quiet
Clarity
Mostly clear
Newbie friendliness
58/100

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